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From 21 January 2026, new legislation allows self-employed individuals and personal employees to apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks in their own right for the first time.
Until now, self-employed people could only obtain a Basic DBS check. Where an Enhanced check was needed, an employing organisation had to apply on their behalf, which was not always possible when someone was working directly for individuals.
What’s changing
Under the new rules, self-employed workers and personal employees who are paid for their role will be able to apply for Enhanced DBS checks themselves, provided their role is eligible.
Applications must be made through a DBS umbrella body, rather than directly to DBS.
This change is expected to be particularly relevant for:
- Private tutors providing lessons directly to children.
- Carers or support workers hired directly by individuals.
What isn’t changing
The eligibility criteria for DBS checks remain the same. Only roles that already qualify under existing DBS legislation will be eligible.
Where someone works for, or is contracted by, an organisation, the existing process still applies. Employers can continue to apply for DBS checks on behalf of their staff in the usual way.
How applications will work
Self-employed individuals and personal employees will need to apply through a registered DBS umbrella body. These organisations are authorised to process DBS checks and submit applications to DBS.
The existing DBS fees still apply, and umbrella bodies may charge an additional administration fee. A list of suitable umbrella bodies can be found using the find an Umbrella Body tool on GOV.UK.
If you’re hiring someone directly
If you are hiring a self-employed worker or a personal employee, you cannot apply for a DBS check on their behalf. Instead, the individual being hired must make their own application through an umbrella body.
When recruiting, you can ask to see the applicant’s original DBS certificate and use the free DBS Update Service to check whether it is still current.
If you are working independently in roles involving children or vulnerable adults, this change should make it easier to obtain the appropriate level of DBS check without relying on an organisation to apply on your behalf.
